In fact, Germany has been paying attention to this issue for a long time, but they initially hoped to quickly defeat France to end the war. However, after the Battle of the Marne River, the Western Front could no longer be fought, and the German government only now paid attention to the food issue.
The German ambassador in Romania, Baslob, was authorized to negotiate with the Romanian government to lift the ban on grain exports and allow the German government to purchase them.
"This request from the government is not easy to handle."
Ambassador Baslob looked at the secret telegram sent by the German government and told the embassy counselor Masnow what was in his heart.
Counselor Masno has also worked in Romania for many years and is considered to be well versed in Romania's political situation. He nodded in agreement with the ambassador's words and said, "This is indeed not easy to handle. I guess we need to find the new king to solve the problem."
Ambassador Baslob also deeply agreed with Counselor Masno's words. In his view, everything in Romania is now controlled by King Eder. For this shrewd and cunning monarch, he has been in the past few years.
I've learned this before. It's basically impossible to take advantage of him. If you do, be careful. It's probably a trap.
Ambassador Baslob also said impatiently. "Now the empire needs food, otherwise the people will not have enough to eat. There is no need to explain the consequences."
When he thought of the dissatisfaction caused by the people's lack of food, Counselor Masnow immediately stopped talking. He knew that Germany had always needed imports before the war. The current war has caused millions of people to be conscripted into the army, so now
The gap becomes even larger, and the mission they shoulder becomes much heavier.
Looking at the silent counselor, Ambassador Baslob called his attaché and said, "Prepare the vehicle. I want to meet the King of Romania."
After hearing what the ambassador said, Counselor Masno asked in confusion, "Is this too hasty?"
Faced with the deputy's inquiry, Ambassador Baslob explained to him, "It's a good time to go. I'm afraid of interference if it's too late."
Counselor Masnot was also very clear and understood what the ambassador meant. This was because he was afraid that Britain and France would interfere with it and make Germanization waste more money. The previous oil purchase situation was caused by them, and Pakistan had suffered huge losses.
Ambassador Slob, of course your memory will improve.
Ambassador Baslob said to him, "I will go with Ambassador Bailey this time. I believe there will be a food shortage in Vienna."
"Does the Austro-Hungarian ambassador agree?"
Faced with the counselor's inquiry, Ambassador Baslob nodded in acquiescence.
At this time, the attaché came in and said, "Your Excellency, the car is ready."
"Then let's go."
As expected, Ambassador Baslob met Ambassador Belli at the gate of the Romanian Palace. The two of them ignored the conversation and said to the guard at the palace gate. "The Ambassador of Austria-Hungary and I need to meet with His Majesty, please pass the message."
The guard had known the two ambassadors for a long time, and he did not refuse. "Please wait a moment."
Looking at the leaving guards, Ambassador Baslob asked Ambassador Bailey, "Does Austria-Hungary have a big food shortage now?"
"It's not big now. If the war continues, there will definitely be a lot of food shortages."
Faced with Ambassador Belli's answer, Ambassador Baslob sighed. "At present, it seems that this war will not be finished in a short period of time."
"yes."
The two ambassadors stood at the door chatting. Edel, who was working in the palace, soon received the news.
"The German and Austrian ambassadors are here to visit?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Let them in."
The two ambassadors who received permission soon met Edel, who was already the king of Romania, in the king's office. This office was the one that Edel had been using as the crown prince, and he still works here after he was promoted to king.
"Meet His Majesty the King."
Looking at the two German and Austrian ambassadors in front of him, Edel asked. "I wonder what the two ambassadors have come to do this time?"
Faced with Eder's inquiry, Ambassador Baslob told the purpose of his visit. "Your Majesty, we hope that your country can lift the ban on grain exports."
"Why?"
Faced with Edel's inquiry, Ambassador Baslob gave the reason. "Your Majesty, our country and Austria-Hungary currently do not produce enough grain, and purchasing it from other places is not enough for daily needs. Therefore, your country sees the good relationship we have always had.
First, let our people feel Romania's good intentions by lifting the ban on grain import and export. Moreover, grain is not a war material, and your country will not make any profits if you keep it. This will also harm the interests of Romanian farmers, which is not worth the loss.
So we are willing to buy these grains at high prices so that the people in your country can also feel the friendship from Germany and Austria."
Ambassador Baslob has said so much about the feelings between the two peoples, but the core thing is actually the willingness to buy at a high price.
Edel listened to Ambassador Baslob's words and continued to ask with a playful expression. "Then what price are the ambassadors of the two countries willing to give for these grains on behalf of the government?"
Hearing that Edel was so talkative, Ambassador Baslob was stunned for a moment, but he reacted quickly and continued. "Now the British purchase of wheat from the United States is 36 US dollars per ton. Of course we will not treat Romania badly, so according to the my country is open to purchasing Romanian grain at 1.1 times this price.”
Edel calculated the price given by the German ambassador, which was 205 lei per ton of wheat. The prices of corn, barley, oats and other grains were much lower. So Edel said. "I will give it now.
Romania’s request, if you think it’s feasible, just buy it at the price I said, if not, forget it.”
After hearing Edel's showdown, the two ambassadors looked at each other, but Ambassador Baslob stood up and spoke. "Your Majesty, please speak."
Edel said without hesitation. "The export price of wheat is 220 lei per ton, the export price of corn is 165 lei per ton, the prices of barley and oats are 195 lei per ton and 190 lei per ton respectively. Potatoes
And the price of beets…”
After hearing the words of the Crown Prince, Ambassador Baslob carefully calculated in his mind that he would not exceed the price ceiling given by the government. In the telegram, the German government even authorized him to set a price ceiling of 200 marks (250 lei) per ton for wheat, barley and
Oats, etc. did not exceed the price limit.
However, Ambassador Baslob, who was unwilling to give up, couldn't help but ask, "Is there really no possibility of your Majesty lowering your authority?"
Edel put on a nonchalant expression and said, "This is Romania's final offer. If you ask again, I will increase the price by 10 lei for each item."
Seeing Edel's appearance of wanting to increase the price, Ambassador Baslob immediately said, "I accept this price on behalf of the German government."
Ambassador Belli followed up and said, "On behalf of the Austro-Hungarian government, I also accept Romania's offer."
Seeing the words of the two ambassadors, Edel's expression turned gloomy. "That's right. You can go to the Prime Minister to discuss the purchase now."
After hearing Eder's immediate order, the two ambassadors left the palace and went to Prime Minister Bretianu to discuss the purchase.
After the two ambassadors left, Brewster, the captain of the guard, walked over from the side. He asked puzzledly, "Your Majesty, our price has not reached the bottom line of Germany and Austria, so are we selling it to them so cheaply?"
Hearing the words of his captain of the guard who were greedy, Edel said slowly, "This is already a lot. This batch of grain has been sold for 585 million lei (23 million pounds). Don't be too greedy."
Although he said not to be greedy, Edel actually did not say the deeper meaning. Now Romania's trade surplus with Germany and Austria has reached more than 80 million pounds (food, oil, automobiles and spare parts, daily necessities, etc.). This price difference
Edel already felt a little bit in danger.
Romania is not the United States, and there is no sea separating them. If they make too much money now, Germany and Austria might have to destroy themselves first to replenish their treasury. Only when they have no spare capacity can they offer higher prices.
